I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the biggest fan of Mondays but I’m trying to change my attitude with the help of “Healthy Monday—the day all health breaks loose.” There are several groups and programs involved in Healthy Monday so whether you want to eat better, get your kids in the kitchen, or just get up and move, here are some reasons to celebrate (not dread) the start of the week.

• Meatless Monday-Cutting meat one day a week can reduce the risk of cancer and
  

  Start loving Monday!

  cardiovascular disease while saving precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel (MeatlessMonday.com). By cutting out meat, even if it’s just one day a week, you’re improving your health when you increase your intake of vegetables. Read more about Meatless Monday on their website.

• Quit and Stay Quit-Rather than focusing on big holidays to quit (like New Years or birthdays) smokers are encouraged to use Mondays as a focus day to quit smoking for good. Most first-time quitters relapse, taking an average of 7-10 times to permanently quit. Using Monday as a start day for quitting allows you to set up support systems with friends or co-workers so that you’re kept accountable for your goal throughout the week.
• The Kids Cook Monday!-When kids pitch in making meals, they’re empowered to consider portion size, ingredients, and the nutrients they are eating. Teaching our children about healthy foods and portions is important in the battle against obesity and can also encourage conversation both in the kitchen and at the table once the meal has been prepared. Use The Kids Cook Monday to get the entire family involved!
• Move it Monday!-Jump start your week by challenging yourself and others to get moving on a Monday and continue throughout the week. Ideas from Move it Monday’s website include taking a free class at a fitness center, holding walking meetings with friends/neighbors/co-workers, organizing lunchtime exercises, or even taking the stairs every day. The CDC recommends that we get 2 ½ hours of physical activity each week at a minimum. Where do you stack up against that number?
• Man Up Monday-This new health initiative is directed at making young men more aware of their health. Young men, and men in general, tend to ignore health problems until they become acute. Man Up Monday encourages men to take weekly stock of their health and take necessary action. Learn more about Man Up Monday on their website and check out our Men’s Health Month post.
• Caregivers’ Monday-Many times caregivers feel isolated and overwhelmed, and end up neglecting their own health and needs. Caregivers’ Monday is an initiative that encourages the management of stress, finding support, and using tips and resources to keep those who provide care to others healthy. While caring for the sick, elderly, young, or disabled can be a rewarding experience caregivers frequently neglect their own health. Learn more here.

To find out more about the Monday Campaigns and how you can encourage all health to break loose in your life and the lives of those you love, visit their website and get connected. If we all can begin to see Monday as a day of health and encouragement, maybe the Monday blahs can turn into the Monday hurrahs!